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Story tips: Predicting fire risk, solid state stability check and images in a flash

Researchers developed a machine learning approach to predict seasonal fire risk in Africa, using data on ocean temperatures and land surface changes. Additionally, scientists found that charge loss in lithium-ion batteries is related to the inherent structural instability of the cathode's crystalline structure. A new microscope tool pr...

Researchers make next-generation, high-toughness battery component

A team of Brown University researchers has developed a new ceramic material that doubles the toughness of traditional solid-state lithium ion batteries. The material combines graphene and ceramic to improve mechanical properties while maintaining electrical functionality.

JCESR lays foundation for safer, longer-lasting batteries

Researchers at JCESR are working on enhancing ion conductivity in solid-state electrolytes using the paddlewheel effect. This can lead to faster and more stable battery performance, eliminating thermal runaway reactions that cause fires.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Scientists uncover major cause of resistance in solid electrolytes

Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory and Northwestern University used electron holography and atom probe tomography to study grain boundaries in a solid electrolyte material. They found that impurities such as silicon and aluminum caused resistance, which can be mitigated by intentionally inserting elements into the material.

A novel Li-ion superconductor makes possible an era of safe battery

Researchers at KIST have developed a sulfide-based superionic conductor that delivers Li-ion conductivity comparable to liquid electrolytes, solving a key challenge in all-solid-state battery technology. The new material enables accelerated mass production and commercialization of safe batteries.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Pathways toward realizing the promise of all-solid-state batteries

The researchers focus on inorganic solid electrolytes to create stable chemical interfaces, diagnose and characterize batteries in real-time, and design scalable and cost-effective manufacturing processes. Their work aims to address the challenges of all-solid-state batteries and make them safer, longer-lasting, and more energy-dense.

New electrode design may lead to more powerful batteries

Researchers at MIT have devised a lithium metal anode that could improve battery performance by reducing stress on the solid electrolyte layer. The new design utilizes a three-dimensional nanoarchitecture, allowing the lithium to flow like a liquid while maintaining its solid structure.

A new method to study lithium dendrites could lead to better, safer batteries

A new method to study lithium dendrites was developed using an environmental transmission electron microscope (ETEM) in a carbon dioxide atmosphere. The team successfully grew and observed needle-like structures that can short out batteries and cause fires, providing insights into ways to prevent their appearance.

New polymer material may help batteries become self-healing, recyclable

Researchers at the University of Illinois have created a solid polymer-based electrolyte that can self-heal after damage and be recycled without harsh chemicals or high temperatures. The new material has potential as an effective battery electrolyte, but more work is needed to make it comparable to existing batteries.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

New lithium battery design could mean lighter, safer batteries for Soldiers

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new cathode and electrolyte system using transition metal fluorides and solid polymer electrolytes, showing remarkable stability and potential for safer, lighter lithium-ion batteries. The new design has more than double the lithium capacity of traditional cobalt- or nickel-based cathodes.

Overcome the bottleneck of solid electrolytes for Li batteries

Researchers propose atom-to-atom strategy to address electrode-electrolyte contact issue in solid-state Li batteries. By creating epitaxial interfaces, they achieve intimate contact between solid electrolytes and electrodes, resulting in improved rate performances and energy density.

Advance in understanding of all-solid-state batteries

Researchers identified a critical current density that prevents void formation and cell failure in all-solid-state batteries. This breakthrough could enable the development of commercial solid-state batteries for electric vehicles.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New technique produces longer-lasting lithium batteries

Columbia engineers develop a nano-coating of boron nitride to stabilize solid electrolytes in lithium metal batteries, increasing battery life while ensuring safety. The new method achieves record-thin protection layers without lowering energy density.

Researchers report high performance solid-state sodium-ion battery

The organic cathode offers more reliable contact with the electrolyte, extending cycle life and allowing for higher energy density. The flexibility of the organic cathode maintains intimate contact at the interface even as the cathode expands and contracts during cycling.

Advances point the way to smaller, safer batteries

Cornell researchers develop a new solid-state battery technology that is inherently safer and more energy-dense than traditional lithium-ion batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of smaller, safer batteries with improved recharging capabilities and reduced risk of fires.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Batteries with better performance and improved safety

Researchers from Empa and UNIGE have developed a new battery prototype that stores more energy while maintaining high safety levels. The battery uses a solid electrolyte and metallic sodium, which enables faster charging and increased storage capacity.

Study suggests route to improving rechargeable lithium batteries

Scientists discovered that smooth surfaces are key to preventing dendrites from forming in solid electrolyte lithium batteries, a breakthrough that could enable safer and more efficient battery technology. By eliminating the need for liquid electrolytes, researchers aim to double a battery's energy capacity.

Freezing lithium batteries may make them safer and bendable

Researchers at Columbia University developed a new method using ice-templating to create solid electrolytes for lithium batteries, which are safer, have longer battery life, and are bendable. This approach could improve energy density by replacing the graphite layer with lithium metal.

Toward all-solid lithium batteries

A team at MIT has probed the mechanical properties of a sulfide-based solid electrolyte material, determining its potential for use in all-solid-state batteries. The research found that the material exhibits a combination of properties similar to silly putty or salt water taffy, showing promise in energy density and safety.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Solid batteries improve safety

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed solid-state batteries that are non-flammable and can be heated to high temperatures. This breakthrough enables faster charging and larger energy capacity, making them suitable for battery storage power plants and portable electronic devices.

Garnet-type fast ionic conductor for all-solid-state lithium battery

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have developed a new garnet-type fast ionic conductor that can be used in all-solid-state lithium batteries. The material exhibits high lithium-ion conductivity and chemical stability, making it suitable for large-scale power sources.

Melting, coating, and all-solid-state lithium batteries

Researchers created a new way to coat solid electrolyte around electrodes, solving problems of gasification and poor permeability. The breakthrough enables high-ion conductivity and air stability in all-solid-state lithium batteries.

New hybrid electrolyte for solid-state lithium batteries

Berkeley Lab researchers developed a novel glass-polymer hybrid electrolyte that is compliant and conductive at room temperature. The new material shows signs of being compatible with promising next-generation cathode candidates such as sulfur and high-voltage lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Super stable garnet ceramics may be ideal for high-energy lithium batteries

Researchers have discovered a highly stable cubic garnet material called LLZO that can enable the development of higher-energy battery designs. The material remains structurally stable over time across neutral and extremely alkaline environments, making it an ideal separator material for lithium-ion batteries.

Gummy material addresses safety concerns of lithium ion batteries

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a gum-like lithium battery electrolyte that works as well as liquid electrolytes but doesn't create a fire hazard. The new material, which is a hybrid of liquid and solid, contains liquid electrolyte material suspended in solid particles of wax or a similar material.

ORNL research paves way for larger, safer lithium ion batteries

Scientists at ORNL developed a high-performance, nanostructured solid electrolyte for more energy-dense lithium ion batteries, overcoming safety concerns and size constraints. The ability to use pure lithium metal as an anode could yield batteries five to ten times more powerful than current versions.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Batteries smaller than a grain of salt

Scientists have created tiny energy storage devices, no bigger than a grain of sand, with the potential to power micro- and nano-scale devices. The new batteries are part of a larger effort to miniaturize lithium-ion technology, which could lead to breakthroughs in fields like medicine and electronics.

DOE names INEEL battery electrolyte best consumer product

The Idaho National Laboratory's lithium battery solid electrolyte has been recognized by the DOE as a top consumer product, offering substantial savings and improvements in safety. The technology promises longer-lasting rechargeable batteries with reduced waste, making it suitable for applications such as space exploration and pacemakers.